11th Annual Del Mar Nationals - Goodguys Fun!

We Check out the 11th Annual Del Mar Nationals

We’ve mentioned Goodguys Rod & Custom Association in the past, but in case you’re new here, we’ll give you a quick background: Since 1983, Goodguys has put together a really well-organized series, producing more than 20 shows a year across the country. And while the shows are generally better known for older street rods, they do allow street machines and muscle cars, as long as they are ’72 and older. If you don’t fit in that category and would still like to show off your ride, you’ll be happy to know they also have additional get-togethers, allowing all years, makes, and models.

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Something you may be more familiar with is the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year award. Each year at the Columbus, Ohio, venue, big-name builders lobby for the coveted title. Some of the past winners include the Ringbrothers’ Razor ’69 Camaro, the Roadster Shop C1RS ’62 Corvette, and last year’s champion, the Scar ’67 Camaro built by Lakeside Rods and Rides.

One of the more recent shows happened to be in our own SoCal backyard, and there was no way we were going to miss it. On the weekend of April 1, we ventured south for the 11th Annual Del Mar Nationals at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. If you’ve never been to the area, plan a trip; the setting, off the coast of San Diego county, is incredible and, yes, the weather is always perfect.

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Regardless of what you’re into, Goodguys offers something for everyone. For the car-show buff, you’ll dig the endless rows of rides. If you’re looking to check out the latest parts, you’ll appreciate the manufacturers’ area, along with the halls filled with various booths, ranging from memorabilia to automotive components. If you’re looking for a little more action, then you don’t want to miss out on the autocross scene. Bear in mind that the autocross is only at select events, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time.

Of course, we did it all. We found a car out of the Pacific Northwest to shoot as an upcoming feature, took our ’72 Nova for a number of laps through the cones, hung out with old friends, and made some new ones, and we had a great time doing it.

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Autocross Results

Street Machine

Name

Car

Time

1. Kyle Newman

’55 Chevy

33.066

2. Steven Rupp

’68 Camaro

33.555

3. Brett Campbell

’67 Camaro

33.575

4. John Rasmussen

’72 Nova

33.683

5. Deanna Marengo

’71 Camaro

34.137

6. Matt Alcala

’69 Camaro

34.381

7. Doug Renner

’69 Camaro

34.487

8. Tom Foglesong

’67 Camaro

34.569

9. Chris McCrea

’69 Camaro

34.806

10. David Eckert

’67 Chevelle

34.931

11. Chris Robinson

’69 Camaro

34.993

12. Greg Huhman

’71 Camaro

35.192

13. Mike Wright

’69 Camaro

35.287

14. Paul Newman

’68 Chevy

35.43

15. Scott Haggai

’72 Nova

35.488

16. Rick Markey

’67 Camaro

35.55

17. Ray Fields

’67 Camaro

35.799

18. Paul Alderman

’70 Camaro

35.819

19. Richard Trujillo

’69 Mustang

36.498

20. John Wityak

’65 Mustang

37.002

Vendor

Name

Car

Time

1. Maier Racing

’66 Mustang

31.914

2. Kyle Tucker

’70 Camaro

32.092

3. RideTech

’69 Mustang

33.153

4. Hotchkis

’68 Road Runner

34.155

5. Hotchkis

’69 C10

34.557

6. Stacy Tucker

’63 Nova

34.909

7. James Shipka

’67 Camaro

35.132

8. Spectre

’70 Camaro

35.51

9. Harry Heish

’72 Camaro

35.688

Fun Run

Name

Car

Time

1. Evan Dalley

’68 Camaro

32.058

2. Bryan Rodgers

’69 Mustang

33.016

3. Glenn Trauth

’69 Camaro

34.852

Editor’s Challenge

The Goodguys Editors Challenge is something we look forward to. In the past, everyone was allowed to drive his or her own vehicle, however for the second year in a row each editor was required to drive three separate rides. With a single pass in each car, those times were then averaged and used as the final standing order.

MORE PHOTOS

Goodguys events offer plenty to do with a lot to see. If you’re looking to speak with manufacturers directly, many of them are there and more than willing to talk to you one-on-one.

Looking for a new project car? Whether you’re looking for something in pieces or a complete roller, you’ll find it. This ’67 Camaro was a gem and looking for a good home. Underhood is a small-block 350 backed by a Turbo 350 transmission and featured all-new suspension.

At the autocross, Chad Reynolds was behind the mic, pumping up the drivers and the crowd. For the more competitive folks, the time board was constantly updated, making it easy to see where everyone ranked against their competitors.

Detroit Speed brought out its ’63 Nova for a little fun. It was also sporting a fresh set of HRE Performance Wheels. The sharp ride is a performer and garnered plenty of attention throughout the weekend.

We originally featured the ’63 in our Mar. ’11 issue. If you recall, we only showed the interior from the front seats forward because the rear seats weren’t quite ready. Since then, the black Recaros were re-covered with a matching set out back.

Rob Phillips has become a regular at most autocross events with his Hotchkis-outfitted ’69 C10 truck. Don’t be fooled because it’s a truck—Phillips has consistently proven to be a contender and always a threat at any given event.

Paul Alderman made the drive down from Washington with his DSE-built ’70 Camaro. His efforts were well rewarded as he was chosen as a Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year Finalist.

Talk about dedicated; it’s hard to keep Doug Renner away from any event within a 400-mile radius. We just need to get him to drop in the LS3 he recently purchased and bring his ride out to this year’s Holley LS Fest. Renner, are you reading this?

Mary Pozzi was on the scene driving James Shipka’s One Lap Camaro.

David Eckert, from Molalla, Oregon, ran his 440ci LS-powered ’67 Chevelle in the Street Machine class. His A-body was unbelievably clean and it was fun to see him ripping around the corners.

Kyle Newman from Templeton, California, is no stranger to the autocross scene with their Newman Car Creations ’55 Chevy. His best run of the weekend was a 33.066, giving him the win in the Street Machine class.